THE widow of a motorcyclist who died in a car crash has said that her “life ended” after her husband’s death.

Julie Cochrane told Weymouth Magistrates Court that life without her husband, Andy, “seems unbelievable” as the driver who caused his death was sentenced.

Simon Mark Cleave, aged 44, of Adelaide Crescent, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mr Cochrane in June last year as a result of careless or inconsiderate driving.

He was handed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work in the community. 

Cleave was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He was also ordered by the court to pay £85 in costs and a £80 victim surcharge.

Lee Turner, prosecuting, said that on June 23, 2015, Cleave was turning right out of Louviers Road onto Littlemoor Road in his Vauxhall Vivaro panel van when he collided with Mr Cochrane, who was riding a Ducati motorbike.

Mr Cochrane, 50, from Broadmayne, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

He left behind two daughters.
Mr Turner said there was a clear sight line of 250 metres at the approach to the junction in question. 

He added that a police report into the incident found that there were no contributing factors other than the defendant’s driving.

There was no evidence of alcohol or drugs in the defendant’s system and he passed a police eyesight test.

A statement from Mrs Cochrane was read out on her behalf in court and described her husband as a man with a “passion for living life” as well as a doting father.

It said: “The day Andy was tragically taken from us was the day my life ended as well.

“We both imagined we were going to grow old together but instead, I just have an empty space.

“I feel lucky and privileged to have spent 30 years with Andy, but I just wish it had been longer.

“As for the future, I cannot let myself think too far ahead as life without him seems unbelievable.

“He will never be forgotten and will be missed by all who knew him.”

Mr Williamson, mitigating, said that his client had been “devastated” by what he had done.

He said: “He is a responsible family man and he offers his heartfelt, unreserved apologies for what happened.”

Presiding magistrate William Gibbons, chairman of the bench, said that he had taken Cleave’s previously unblemished record into account when opting for a suspended sentence.

He said: “Let’s be clear that this matter is one of careless driving and not dangerous driving.

“The consequences of the misjudgement have been a tragedy for the widow and her life has been ruined.

“No sentence will compensate for the grievous loss that has been caused.”

He told the defendant: “You will have to live with this for the rest of your life.”